Economic Research Service

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Economic Research Service (ERS) is a primary source of economic information and research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ERS conduct research programs to inform public and private decision making on economic and policy issues involving food, farming, natural resources, and rural development.

The incumbent serves as Administrator of ERS and is fully responsible for all of its programs and activities.

Policy and Program Formulation

Formulates current, intermediate, and long-range policies and programs relating to economic and social science research and analysis and other activities for which ERS is responsible.

Executive and Managerial Direction

Directs the overall administration of ERS programs and coordinates broad phases of ERS policy and program execution. The major programs of ERS are as follows:

Produce economic information through a program of research and analysis on domestic and international agricultural developments that enhance understanding of domestic and world agricultural markets.

Provide economic research, monitoring, and statistical indicators of food and consumer issues and concerns including: nutrition education and food assistance; food safety regulation; determinants of consumer demand for quality and safety; and food marketing trends and developments.

Develop an economic research program to support policy decision­ making on agricultural resource and environmental issues. In particular, provide research, monitoring, and statistical indicator on how agricultural production technologies and policies affect natural resources and the environment. Collaborate with the Office of the Chief Economist to engage other agencies and offices throughout the Department to promote the integration of economic research, monitoring and statistical indicators into decision making.

Conduct a program of research and data development assessing the effect of public and private actions and policies on national rural and agricultural conditions including the transformation of the rural economy, the financial performance of the farm sector, and the implications of changing farm credit and financial market structures.

Provide management of data, information, and administrative activities in support of the ERS research and analysis program.

Make ERS-produced information widely available through research reports, outlook reports and electronic data bases, participation of ERS staff at public issue-oriented forums, and other media; radio, television, newspapers .

Administer an Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights program. Provide leadership in appointing, training, and coordinating activities for Equal Employment Opportunity committees, and for all special emphasis activities relating to equal employment opportunities for women, Hispanics, Native Americans, African Americans, other minority groups, and persons with disabilities. Provide policy guidance and direction in the processing of employment-related complaints of discrimination, and in the development and preparation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Employment Program Plan and the Civil Rights Implementation Plan.

Develops, presents and justifies the budget of the Service, and determines the internal organization and staffing structure of ERS within established budget and ceiling limitations . Guides and directs the ERS staff, establishing and maintaining personnel policies and practices to ensure effective utilization and motivation of personnel resources and a working climate conducive to high productivity and morale. Provides leadership and direction to staff offices of the Service.